Overview of Program

About the Concentration

The Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience offers a graduate program leading to a Ph.D. degree in Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology. Graduate study may be pursued in several areas, including systems and cellular neuropharmacology and neuroscience, molecular pharmacology, biochemistry and neurobiology of disease. The newly established Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics provides valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary basic science and translational research. Clinically relevant research topics include pain mechanisms and therapies in various preclinical models (arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), HIV, chemotherapy- and nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain), alcohol abuse disorders, alcohol- and oxidative stress-induced damage to the developing brain and neurodegeneration, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease, anti-neoplastic drug development and mechanisms of drug resistance.   

A minimum of three years of graduate study beyond the bachelor's degree is required for the Ph.D. degree; completion of the requirements generally takes four to five years. During the period of study, the student does the required course work, takes a qualifying examination, and completes a Ph.D. dissertation based on his or her original research.

The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences does offer a combined MD/PhD degree program for eligible students.  To view further information regarding this program please read details in the GSBS academic catalog here.

Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology (TNP): The objective of the Translational Neuroscience & Pharmacology graduate concentration is to prepare students for a broad range of potential careers, including research and teaching.

The Faculty of the graduate concentration seek to:
Foster a creative and productive research atmosphere.
Provide encouragement and positive challenges.
Equip students with the intellectual tools and critical thinking skills they will need to be effective teachers, investigators, etc.
Provide students the opportunity to learn about  and study clinically relevant disorders, underlying mechanisms and therapeutic strategies ("translational").

Specialized research training is available in the following areas:
Brain health
Pain
Neuroplasticity
Alcohol use disorder
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Cancer
Stroke

Opportunities are also available for postdoctoral training in the research areas listed above.

You may also visit the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences concentration page for important dates, how to apply, and GSBS contact information.